Get Remarkably Bright Creatures book club questions (without spoilers!) to better discuss Shelby Van Pelt’s bestselling feel-good fiction book. This Today Show book club pick shows the powerful bond of humans to animals, and it’s filled to the brim with themes of grief, healing, and second chances.
You’ll also get book club ideas and printable questions to easily make your meeting fun and topical. Let’s get literary!
Quick Summary of Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt With Themes
Remarkably Bright Creatures follows Tova Sullivan, a widow coping with the loss of her son, Erik, by working the night shift at an aquarium, where she forms an unexpected friendship with Marcellus, a sharp-witted giant Pacific octopus. As their bond deepens, Marcellus uncovers secrets about Tova’s son’s disappearance, prompting both of them to confront the past.
This heartwarming story is a top book club pick because it explores the healing power of human and animal friendships and the hope that can grow from them. More than one million readers worldwide absolutely love Marcellus.
Watch Shelby Van Pelt discuss the book with Jenna Bush Hager on Youtube:
Remarkably Bright Creatures Book Club Questions (Without Spoilers)
What makes octopuses Remarkably Bright Creatures?
What makes humans Remarkably Bright Creatures?
Describe the personality of Tova Sullivan.
Describe the personality of Marcellus the octopus.
Why does Tova want the job as a night janitor?
Discuss the friendship between Tova and Marcellus.
Discuss the power of nonverbal communication.
Discuss this quote: “Why can humans not use their millions of words to simply tell one another what they desire?”
Have you been to the Seattle Aquarium in the Pacific Northwest (or another aquarium)?
Compare and contrast Tova and Cameron.
What is the significance of Tova’s age (70)?
What is the significance of the Dala horse in Remarkably Bright Creatures?
What does water (the aquarium, Puget Sound) symbolize?
What did you think happened to Tova’s son, Erik?
What role does grief play in Remarkably Bright Creatures?
What role does loneliness play in Remarkably Bright Creatures?
According to Remarkably Bright Creatures, how can humans find healing?
What does Remarkably Bright Creatures say about second chances?
What is the message in Remarkably Bright Creatures?
Was it “right” for Marcellus to be kept in captivity?
What does Remarkably Bright Creatures say about ocean conservation?
Why do you think Remarkably Bright Creatures remains a reader favorite?
Discuss the adaptation of Remarkably Bright Creatures starring Sally Field.
Tell a story about a special human-animal connection you or someone else has had.
Do you recommend any other books for adults starring animals?
Free Printable PDF Reading Guide of the Discussion Questions
FREE PRINTABLE BOOK CLUB GUIDE
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Book Club Ideas For Food and Beyond
- Eat: herring like Marcellus, seafood, fake fish (like Swedish fish and Goldfish crackers), and seaweed salad.
- Drink: flavored water like the ocean or Washington wines.
- Listen: Ocean sounds
- Watch: My Octopus Teacher
- Do: Visit an animal sanctuary or volunteer at an animal shelter. Participate in a beach cleanup. Make a sea glass craft or ocean-inspired candles.
Book Club Books to Read Next
- The Midnight Library by Matt Haig Book Club Guide (power of human connection)
- A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman Book Club Guide (power of friendship)
- A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles Book Club Guide (friendship in captivity)
remember, it’s a good day to read a book. – jules
